It’s traditionally a time of the year when clubs up and down the country welcome a few unfamiliar faces into their ranks as they look to land themselves a bargain.
Last season, Josh Martin’s time at the club without a contract earned him a short-term Fratton Park deal and a League One winner’s medal, to boot! But for every Martin, there’s a Lloyd Sam who is deemed not up to task and allowed to leave without even a chat about an extended stay.
With that said, here’s 29 triallists Pompey have had down through the years that can be catagorised as either a success of a failure.
9. Berlin Ndebe-Nlome
Mysterious figure turned up at Torquay in 2006, scored a goal and The News was told to say he was youngster Giovanni Torre. Earned a contract but never got near the first team. | The News Photo: The News
10. Thiago Motta
Came to Pompey in 2008 on trial but a deal was never seen to fruition and the former Barcelona man went on to play for Inter Milan and PSG instead. God knows what he thought of the club's Eastleigh base! Named Juventus boss last week. | Getty Images
11. Dele Adebola
Powerful forward tried to earn a deal with Pompey in 2002 ahead of his Birmingham release - but a move never materialised. Striker went on to enjoy playing at Crystal Palace, Coventry, Burnley and Nottingham Forest, amongst others. | Getty Images
12. Lloyd Sam
Tried to keep a low profile when the former Leeds man travelled to Gibraltar with Pompey in 2012 but moved to the MLS. | The News